What should i take for constipation

Simple over-the-counter options like Miralax, Ex-Lax, or Ducolax usually do the trick. Based on all the ads for prescription laxatives, you may think that the country is gripped by an epidemic of hard-to-treat constipation.

And the Food and Drug Administration seems to think so, too. It has approved five new prescription medications for the problem in the past four years. But while constipation can be serious and require medical intervention, in many cases lifestyle and diet changes suffice. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol Miralax and generic , bisacodyl Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic , or senna Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic are a far better choice.

They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper. But having fewer than three bowel movements per week, excessive straining, a sense of not being finished, or having hard, lumpy stools are signals you may have constipation.

About 15 percent of Americans suffer from the condition for months and even years, studies show. Women are three times as likely as men to experience constipation, and seniors are also at high risk. But for some people the condition becomes chronic, with uncomfortable symptoms lasting three months or longer. Dietary fiber from foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts helps create softer, bulkier stools that pass through your gut more quickly.

Those containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, Konsyl, and generics, may work better than other forms, research suggests. All of them are safe and effective for most patients. But you may find that one type works better for you or causes fewer side effects. Occasional constipation usually lasts only a few days and will resolve on its own, Lacy says.

For chronic constipation that has gone on for months, Lacy advises giving a drug time to work. In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining different types of medications. Polyethylene glycol MiraLax and generic works by pulling water into the colon, which softens the stool and stimulates the walls of the intestine to move it along.

Its safety and effectiveness make it a first choice for many doctors and patients. A recent analysis of 41 studies of OTC laxatives published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found robust evidence that polyethylene glycol works well for chronic constipation while causing minimal side effects.

If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally. Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles.

By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks. Learn more about how you can help prevent constipation with eating, diet, and nutrition. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

You can most often treat your constipation at home by doing the following Change what you eat and drink Changing what you eat and drink may make your stools softer and easier to pass. Take mineral oil no more than two hours after your evening meal.

Expect results within six to eight hours. One common cause of constipation is dehydration, which can cause hard stool. Using a stool softener, such as docusate sodium Colace or docusate calcium Surfak , can moisten the stool by pulling water from your intestines. This allows the stool to exit your body more easily. There are several types of enemas that you can try. Enemas work by softening stool enough to produce a bowel movement. Some common types of enemas include sodium phosphate Fleet , soapsuds, and tap water enemas.

Learn about proper ways to administer an enema. Rectal suppositories also help encourage bowel movements by softening stool. Try a glycerin or bisacodyl suppository, which you can find at your local pharmacy. Bring a small footstool into your bathroom the next time you need to poop. Placing your feet on a stool in front of the toilet while you poop — so your body is essentially in a squatting position instead of in a seated position —can help you pass stool without straining.

Light exercise, such as walking or jogging, can encourage bowel movements by increasing blood flow throughout your abdomen. The above advice can help encourage a quick bowel movement to relieve short-term discomfort. However, some of the lifestyle changes can also keep your constipation at bay more permanently.

For regularity, try to make these tips part of your daily habit. Chronic constipation can make it challenging for a person to focus on their daily tasks and activities. Most beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are very high in fiber, which is a nutrient that promotes good digestion and reduces constipation.

A study found that grams g of cooked pulses provides around 26 percent of the daily fiber intake recommended in the U.

A g serving of pulses also contains substantial quantities of other nutrients that help to ease constipation, such as potassium , folate , zinc, and vitamin B6.

Clear soups are nutritious and easy to digest. They also add moisture to hard, dense stools, which can soften them, making them easier to pass. Prunes and prune juice are a time-tested home remedy for constipation in many parts of the world. Prunes contain a lot of fiber, a nutrient known to ease and speed up bowel movements. Prunes also contain sorbitol and phenolic compounds that may have gastrointestinal benefits.

A review concluded that eating prunes may increase the frequency of bowel movements and improve stool consistency in people with constipation. In most of the studies included in the review, the participants ate g of prunes daily, or about 10 prunes.

Wheat bran is another popular home remedy for constipation. It is rich in insoluble fiber, which can speed up the flow of materials through the intestines. A study found that eating a breakfast cereal containing wheat bran every day for 2 weeks improved bowel function and reduced constipation in healthy women who did not usually eat much fiber. Sulforaphane may also help to prevent the overgrowth of some intestinal microorganisms that can interfere with healthy digestion.

In a study , healthy people ate either 20 g of raw broccoli sprouts or 20 g of alfalfa sprouts every day for 4 weeks. The researchers found that the people who ate broccoli sprouts had fewer symptoms of constipation and quicker bowel movements. Apples and pears contain several compounds that improve digestion, including fiber, sorbitol, and fructose.

These fruits also contain high levels of water, which can help to ease digestion and prevent constipation.